Upper Limb Amputations:
- Amputation of individual digits- When a victim loses any of their digits, their grasping ability is affected.
- Multiple digit amputations- When more than one finger is lost, surgeons will attempt to construct muscles to assist with grasping.
- Metacarpal amputation- loss of entire hand with wrist still intact; no ability to grasp
- Wrist disarticulation- loss of the hand at the level of wrist joint
- Forearm (transradial) amputation- classified by the length of the remaining partial forearm stump. The length affects the pronation ability, or the ability to move the forearm.
- Elbow disarticulation- removal of entire forearm at elbow; victim will retain the ability to hold weight.
- Above-elbow (transhumeral) amputation- amputation anywhere above the elbow and below the shoulder.
- Shoulder disarticulation- the shoulder is removed, however the shoulder blade remains; the collarbone may or may not be removed
- Forequarter amputation- removal of shoulder blade and collarbone
Lower Limb Amputations:
- Foot Amputations- amputation of any part of foot such as mid-tarsal or toe amputation; may affect balance and walking.
- Ankle disarticulation (Syme amputation) – amputation of entire ankle.
- Below-knee (transtibial) amputation- amputation above the ankle but below the knee; victim may have difficulty putting weight on limb.
- Knee-bearing amputation- complete removal of the lower leg.
- Above-knee (transfemoral) amputation- amputation at thigh.
- Hip disarticulation- removing the entire leg bone.
If you have suffered a serious injury, such as an amputated limb or appendage, as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact the personal injury attorneys of Swartz & Swartz, P.C.